WSLS first noticed the vandalism and reported it to police at 4:47 Thursday morning. Dispatchers said they had not yet received any reports.

"Rest in power Heather Heyer" is spray painted on the Robert E. Lee monument in Lee Plaza, which is on Church Ave. across the street from the courthouse. What appears to be motor oil is on the back of the monument.

Heyer was a counterprotester who was killed August 12 at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville.

At this time, police believe the vandalism happened between 7 p.m. Wednesday and 4:47 a.m. Thursday.

A cleanup crew from Roanoke City is on the scene.

The monument was erected in 1960.

State Senator John Edwards spoke out Thursday about the violence in Charlottesville and he also condemned the monument vandalism.

"They came to create violence and they did. I'm against violence in any form, including vandalism. I don't think we need to vandalize anything," said Sen. John Edwards, (D) 21st District.